Proverbs 21

Sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices (10-24).

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin. Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. Proverbs 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. Proverbs 21:8 The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. Proverbs 21:9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. Proverbs 21:12 The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness. Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. Proverbs 21:15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Proverbs 21:18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. Proverbs 21:19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21:20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Proverbs 21:22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:24 Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way. Proverbs 21:30 [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Proverbs 21:31 The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.